Dr. Ernesto Bongarzone, PhD was named the recipient of the 2023 Sue Rosenau Legacy Award.
Dr. Bongarzone obtained his Ph.D in Buenos Aires, Argentina and is Professor in Neuroscience at the University of Illinois at Chicago. His studies focus on the pathogenic mechanisms of Krabbe disease, and the development of potential therapies including gene therapy and substrate reduction therapy for this disease.
At the 2023 KTRN meeting, Dr. Bongarzone gave a presentation entitled: Inspiration that Mattered: My Life Dedicated to Krabbe Disease. He reviewed his life, and highlighted the early motivation he had in his childhood to explore and to go further in the humble world he grew up in. He was devoid to read several books, play with his new chemistry-set and explore the micro-world that is not directly visible with the eyes.
Also, he defined Inspiration, not only scientifically, but also as a synergistic biproduct. Finally, he is grateful for the recognition and expresses his acknowledgements to the audience and to TLOAF for the award.
Look for an expanded profile of Dr. Bongarzone and his contributions that went into his selection as a Sue Rosenau Legacy Award recipient in the near future.